weigh

verb

ˈwā How to pronounce weigh (audio)
Definition of weighnext
1
as in to matter
to be of importance evidence that will weigh heavily against the defendant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to ponder
to give serious and careful thought to weighed the options for weeks before making a decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb weigh differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of weigh are consider, contemplate, and study. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," weigh implies attempting to reach the truth or arrive at a decision by balancing conflicting claims or evidence.

weigh the pros and cons of the case

When might consider be a better fit than weigh?

The words consider and weigh can be used in similar contexts, but consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

When is contemplate a more appropriate choice than weigh?

Although the words contemplate and weigh have much in common, contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

When could study be used to replace weigh?

The words study and weigh are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of weigh Under certain interpretations of the 1963 rule, courts are not allowed to weigh whether a merger might make competition stronger overall. — Shubha Ghosh, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 But Karen Guzzo, an expert on family development and demographic trends at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said many American couples who are weighing parenthood need this kind of help. — Brian Mann, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 Lawmakers are anxious to avoid the possibility of a shutdown as voters weigh their options going into November. — Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 All-in, the equipment weighs almost 500 tonnes and comprises more than 40 shipping containers and several oversized loads. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
  1. matter
  2. ponder
  3. mean
  4. consider
  5. contemplate
  6. debate
  7. entertain
  8. question
Verb
  • This matters to Warsh because Korea’s sizable, open economy often serves as an early-warning system for global inflection points.
    — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Kelly said Markey’s push for greater regulation of data centers matters more to him than the senator’s awkward answer about AI.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of matter
Verb
  • Sierra College has three quarterbacks to ponder, and all will play early, Noonan said.
    — JOE DAVIDSON, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The question to ponder in sports today is whether speech functions as an act with a cost or as a renewable resource for an audience happy to waste time on slop.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of ponder
Verb
  • Sure, pedicures get more playtime over the summer, but that doesn’t mean your toes don’t deserve the same attention once temperatures drop.
    — Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Max leaves less than three hours before the new charter’s arrival, which means that Sandy is immediately on the phone with Norma from Yachting Staffing.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of mean
Verb
  • After Sunday’s game, manager John Schneider indicated the club was still considering all options.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Asked about the cause of the capsize, Erhurman noted the storm, but said the weather was considered suitable for travel.
    — Reuters, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of consider
Verb
  • Even in the midst of this global struggle, Roosevelt contemplated the future and envisioned the critical role that a new United Nations might play.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But Williams — who is set to compete with her sister Serena Williams in the Open’s doubles tournament this week — wasn’t ready to contemplate what’s next for her career after that.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of contemplate
Verb
  • In their discussions, economists and policymakers debated the regulatory challenges in a world where tokenization is revolutionizing how financial assets are held and transferred.
    — Maria Eloisa Capurro, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Researchers have debated for years whether these dendrites begin at the electrolyte’s surface or deeper inside the material.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of debate
Verb
  • In the early ‘60s, the Tower Theater’s films entertained Cuban refugees and introduced them to American culture, making the theater a cultural cornerstone for the local Cuban community.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
  • My job is to give people joy and entertain them and take them away from, frankly, at the moment, some of the misery of life, where they can get lost in the live gig for two hours.
    — Katie Bain, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of entertain
Verb
  • Critics also questioned whether UCLA’s athletic department had adapted quickly enough to the NIL era.
    — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • At Liberty High School in Frisco, Texas, Muslim students had used a spare classroom to pray without incident from 2009 to 2017, when Paxton’s office sent the district a letter questioning whether other students were being excluded.
    — Asma Uddin, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of question

Phrases Containing weigh

Browse Nearby Words

weepy
weigh
weigh (anchor)
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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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